Football focus

The Huskies gave Leesville Road a good fight two weeks ago, almost playing spoiler on the Pride’s senior night celebration. If Heritage’s defense is as successful and the Huskies put more points on the board, this could be an upset. Leesville Road, however, came out firing on all cylinders against Wake Forest-Rolesville last week. The Pride looked poised for playoff action.

Digital Access for only $0.99

The Knights will play their first home playoff game in school history as they open the NCISAA 11-man Division II tournament. North Raleigh Christian came out on top of its August regular season meeting with Hickory Grove, winning 42-15.

Start time: 7:30 p.m.

Hobgood (8-2)

at Word of God (9-1)

The Rams won the regular season meeting with Hobgood in a lopsided 68-21 contest, but Word of God was tested early on in week one of the NCISAA 8-man playoffs by a Rocky Mount team it handily beat earlier in the year. The Rams will look to come out with more momentum this week as they defend their 2011 state championship crown.

Start time: 7:30 p.m.

WF-Rolesville (9-2)

at Wakefield (10-1)

The Wolverines dominated the midseason meeting between these two teams, which ended up being the deciding game to put Wakefield above the Cougars in the standings as both teams lost to Leesville Road. Wake Forest-Rolesville will look to bounce back from its regular season finale loss to Leesville, while Wakefield has been rolling in recent weeks.

Start time: 7:30 p.m.

Player of the week

Patrick Kearney

Broughton, QB, junior

Kearney stepped in for injured starting quarterback Maclin Batchelor to lead the Caps, passing for more than 300 yards in a 49-21 win over Sanderson in the season finale.

Coach speak

Chad Smothers

Leesville Road

“Every Friday from this point on is a game like this. Every team in North Carolina has to be ready to play in week one. … It’s survive and advance.”